Description:BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a system for powering agricultural tools and particularly to a system for powering agricultural tools by integration of gravity-based energy storage.
Description of Related Art
[002] Agricultural productivity and sustainability depend heavily on reliable and cost-effective energy sources. Rural farming communities often face energy access challenges due to limited grid connectivity, high fuel costs, and the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources like solar and wind. Traditionally, agricultural energy needs have been met through diesel generators, battery-based storage systems, and direct solar or wind-powered solutions. However, these existing methods have significant drawbacks, including environmental concerns, high operational costs, and inefficiencies in energy utilization during low-generation periods.
[003] Energy storage solutions, such as battery energy storage systems (BESS), have been developed to store excess renewable energy for later use. While these systems are effective in certain applications, they come with high costs, limited lifespans, and environmental disposal concerns. In parallel, gravity-based energy storage has emerged as a viable alternative, leveraging gravitational potential energy for power generation. However, its integration into agricultural settings remains underexplored, with most applications focused on large-scale energy storage rather than farm-level solutions.
[004] Despite advancements in renewable energy and storage technologies, rural agricultural systems lack an integrated, cost-effective, and sustainable energy solution that optimally combines energy storage with irrigation and mechanization. Existing solutions either do not address storage needs efficiently or fail to integrate with farming infrastructure. As a result, there is a growing demand for an alternative approach that maximizes resource utilization while ensuring continuous and reliable power for agricultural operations.
[005] There is thus a need for an improved and advanced system for powering agricultural tools by integration of gravity-based energy storage that can administer the aforementioned limitations in a more efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[006] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a system for powering agricultural tools by integration of gravity-based energy storage. The system comprising renewable energy sources adapted to generate electrical energy. The generated electrical energy is supplied to a microgrid, such that the microgrid is adapted to supply operational power to the agricultural tools. The system further comprising a gravitational energy generator comprising a set of weights adapted to harness kinetic energy and potential energy by elevation and lowering for collection and dispersal of energy. The set of weights is elevated by residual energy left upon supplying the operational power to the agricultural tools. The system further comprising a power converter adapted to convert the energy dispersed by, lowering of the set of weights, the gravitational energy generator. The energy dispersed is resupplied to the agricultural tools. The system further comprising a central control unit communicatively connected to the renewable energy sources, the gravitational energy generator, and to the power converter. The central control unit is configured to monitor the electrical energy generated by the renewable energy sources; monitor the operational power supplied to the agricultural tools; compare the operational power supplied with the electrical energy generated; and supply the residual energy to the gravitational energy generator, when the operational power supplied is less than the electrical energy generated.
[007] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention further provide a method for powering agricultural tools by integration of gravity-based energy storage. The method comprising steps of monitoring electrical energy generated by renewable energy sources; monitoring an operational power supplied to the agricultural tools; comparing the operational power supplied with the electrical energy generated; and supplying a residual energy to a gravitational energy generator, when the operational power supplied is less than the electrical energy generated.
[008] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on their particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present application may provide a system for powering agricultural tools by integration of gravity-based energy storage.
[009] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a system that integrates energy storage with irrigation, allowing the same infrastructure to serve two essential agricultural needs. This reduces additional costs and enhances operational efficiency.
[0010] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a system that leverages existing agricultural structures, such as silos or grain elevators, to minimize implementation costs while providing long-term energy savings.
[0011] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a system that mitigates need for fossil fuels or chemical batteries, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting eco-friendly farming.
[0012] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a system that can incrementally expand the system based on energy needs without requiring a complete overhaul.
[0013] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a system that ensures continuous power availability, especially during nighttime or low renewable energy generation periods, making it highly dependable for rural farming operations.
[0014] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0015] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a system for powering agricultural tools by integration of gravity-based energy storage, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0018] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method for powering agricultural tools by integration of gravity-based energy storage, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0021] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising", "comprises”, and the like (which are synonymous with "including", "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of", “consists essentially of", and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of", "consists of”, the like.
[0022] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.
[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 for powering agricultural tools 102 by integration of gravity-based energy storage, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system 100 may harness kinetic energy and potential energy by storing and converting the kinetic energy and the potential energy into electrical energy. The converted electrical energy may further be utilized for powering the agricultural tools 102. The system 100 may be installed at a location such as, but not limited to, a farm house, a farmland, a silo, a granary, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any location, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies, for installation of the system 100.
[0024] The system 100 may comprise the agricultural tools 102, renewable energy sources 104, a microgrid 106, a gravitational energy generator 108, set of weights 110, a power converter 112, and a central control unit 114.
[0025] In an embodiment of the present invention, the agricultural tools 102 may be adapted to carry out farm operations in a farm land or an agricultural field. The agricultural tools 102 may be, but not limited to, a harvester, a spinner, a tractor, an irrigation pump, a water motor, a farmhouse power requirement, an incubator, a refrigerator, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the agricultural tools 102, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0026] In an embodiment of the present invention, the renewable energy sources 104 may be adapted to generate electrical energy. The generated electrical energy may be supplied to the microgrid 106. The microgrid 106 may be adapted to supply operational power to the agricultural tools 102. The renewable energy sources 104 may be, but not limited to, a solar panel array, wind turbines, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the renewable energy sources 104, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0027] In an embodiment of the present invention, the gravitational energy generator 108 may comprise a set of weights 110. The set of weights 110 may be adapted to harness both kinetic energy and potential energy through controlled elevation and lowering. The elevation of the set of weights 110 may facilitate energy storage in the form of potential energy, whereas the lowering of the set of weights 110 may enable the release of stored energy in the form of kinetic energy, which can subsequently be converted into electrical power.
[0028] The elevation and lowering of the set of weights 110 may be regulated by an electromechanical system, such as a motorized pulley or a hydraulic lifting mechanism, controlled by the central control unit 114. The elevation of the set of weights 110 may occur when there is residual energy left after supplying the operational power to the agricultural tools 102. This process ensures efficient utilization of surplus energy by converting it into stored potential energy within the gravitational energy generator 108.
[0029] When there is a deficit in energy supply from the renewable energy sources 104, the gravitational energy generator 108 may be triggered to release the stored potential energy by lowering the set of weights 110. This downward movement may drive a generator or turbine system to convert the kinetic energy into electrical energy, which may then be resupplied to the agricultural tools 102 through the microgrid 106. The central control unit 114 may further manage the rate of energy release by dynamically adjusting the descent speed of the set of weights 110, ensuring a stable and continuous power supply.
[0030] Additionally, the gravitational energy generator 108 may be equipped with sensors and feedback mechanisms to monitor the height, weight distribution, and energy storage levels of the set of weights 110. These mechanisms may enable real-time adjustments to optimize energy storage and retrieval, thereby enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the energy management system. In an embodiment of the present invention, the power converter 112 may be adapted to convert the energy dispersed when lowering the set of weights 110 in the gravitational energy generator 108. The energy dispersed and converted may further be resupplied to the agricultural tools 102.
[0031] In an embodiment of the present invention, the central control unit 114 may be connected to the renewable energy sources 104 and the gravitational energy generator 108. The central control unit 114 may be configured to monitor the electrical energy generated by the renewable energy sources 104 and the operational power supplied to the agricultural tools 102. The central control unit 114 may be further configured to compare the operational power demand with the electrical energy generation.
[0032] Upon comparison, if the supplied operational power is less than the generated electrical energy, then the central control unit 114 may be configured to divert the residual energy to the gravitational energy generator 108 for storage. However, if the generated electrical energy is less than the supplied operational power, the central control unit 114 may be configured to command the microgrid 106 to enable the resupply of the energy stored in the gravitational energy generator 108 to the agricultural tools 102.
[0033] To facilitate this resupply, the central control unit 114 may be configured to initiate a power type conversion process. Specifically, if the stored energy in the gravitational energy generator 108 is in mechanical or potential form, the central control unit 114 may activate an energy conversion mechanism, such as an electric generator, to convert the stored energy into electrical power suitable for agricultural tools 102. Conversely, if the energy being supplied is in direct current (DC) form while the agricultural tools 102 require alternating current (AC), the central control unit 114 may activate an inverter for DC-AC conversion. Additionally, power regulation mechanisms may be employed to ensure voltage and frequency stability, optimizing energy delivery based on the operational requirements of the agricultural tools 102.
[0034] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method 200 for powering agricultural tools by integration of the gravity-based energy storage, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0035] At step 202, the system 100 may monitor the electrical energy generated by the renewable energy sources 104.
[0036] At step 204, the system 100 may monitor the operational power supplied to the agricultural tools 102.
[0037] At step 206, the system 100 may compare the operational power supplied with the electrical energy generated. Upon comparison, if the supplied operational power is less than the generated electrical energy, then the method 200 may proceed to a step 208. Else, the method 200 may proceed to a step 210.
[0038] At step 208, the system 100 may supply the residual energy to the gravitational energy generator 108.
[0039] At step 210 the system 100 may compare the operational power supplied with the electrical energy generated. Upon comparison, if the generated electrical energy is less than the supplied operational power, then the method 200 may proceed to a step 212.
[0040] At step 212, the system 100 may command the microgrid 106 to enable the resupply of the energy collected in the gravitational energy generator 108 to the agricultural tools 102.
[0041] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.
[0042] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements within substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. , Claims:CLAIMS
I/We Claim:
1. A system (100) for powering agricultural tools (102) by integration of gravity-based energy storage, the system (100) comprising:
renewable energy sources (104) adapted to generate electrical energy, wherein the generated electrical energy is supplied to a microgrid (106), such that the microgrid (106) is adapted to supply operational power to the agricultural tools (102);
a gravitational energy generator (108) comprising a set of weights (110) adapted to harness kinetic energy and potential energy by elevation and lowering for collection and dispersal of energy, wherein the set of weights (110) is elevated by residual energy left upon supplying the operational power to the agricultural tools (102);
a power converter (112) adapted to convert the energy dispersed by, lowering of the set of weights (110), the gravitational energy generator (108), wherein the energy dispersed is resupplied to the agricultural tools (102); and
a central control unit (114) communicatively connected to the renewable energy sources (104), the gravitational energy generator (108), and to the power converter (112), characterized in that the central control unit (114) is configured to:
monitor the electrical energy generated by the renewable energy sources (104);
monitor the operational power supplied to the agricultural tools (102);
compare the operational power supplied with the electrical energy generated; and
supply the residual energy to the gravitational energy generator (108), when the operational power supplied is less than the electrical energy generated.
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the elevation of the set of weights (110) by the gravitational energy generator (108) converts the kinetic energy possessed by the set of weights (110) into the potential energy.
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lowering of the set of weights (110) by the gravitational energy generator (108) converts the potential energy possessed by the set of weights (110) into the kinetic energy.
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the central control unit (114) is configured to command the microgrid (106) to enable the resupply of the energy collected in the gravitational energy generator (108) to the agricultural tools (102), when the renewable energy sources (104) are unable to supply the operational power.
5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the agricultural tools (102) comprise a harvester, a spinner, a tractor, an irrigation pump, a water motor, a farmhouse power requirement, an incubator, a refrigerator, or a combination thereof.
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the renewable energy sources (104) comprise a solar panel array, wind turbines, or a combination thereof.
7. A method (200) for powering agricultural tools (102) by integration of gravity-based energy storage, the method (200) is characterized by steps of:
monitoring electrical energy generated by renewable energy sources (104);
monitoring an operational power supplied to the agricultural tools (102);
comparing the operational power supplied with the electrical energy generated; and
supplying a residual energy to a gravitational energy generator (108), when the operational power supplied is less than the electrical energy generated.
8. The method (200) as claimed in claim 7, comprising a step of commanding a microgrid (106) to enable a resupply of the energy collected in the gravitational energy generator (108) to the agricultural tools (102), when the renewable energy sources (104) are unable to supply the operational power.
9. The method (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the renewable energy sources (104) comprise a solar panel array, wind turbines, or a combination thereof.
10. The method (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the agricultural tools (102) comprise a harvester, a spinner, a tractor, an irrigation pump, a water motor, a farmhouse power requirement, an incubator, a refrigerator, or a combination thereof.
Date: March 04, 2025
Place: Noida

Nainsi Rastogi
Patent Agent (IN/PA-2372)
Agent for the Applicant